MILWAUKEE — With the NBA trade deadline approaching Thursday, Knicks guard Toney Douglas has attempted to avoid the media at all costs since being wiped clean from the rotation during Linsanity. Douglas hasn’t played since garbage time Feb. 15 against Sacramento.
Douglas said he is uncomfortable discussing his future.
“I want to be a good teammate,’’ Douglas told The Post. “I don’t want to talk about that or deal with that. I can control what I can control. That’s me working out, being ready. I don’t want to get into all that.’’
Asked about March 15, Douglas said, “I don’t want to do that. That’s about the trade [deadline]. I don’t want to talk about that. ’’
Mike D’Antoni gave a dismissive remark Tuesday regarding Douglas’ status. After the Dallas loss, D’Antoni was asked about possibly playing Douglas, and laughed.
“His role is defined,’’ D’Antoni said. “He’s probably the only one who knows what he’s doing.’’
Douglas went from starting point guard when the season opened to fourth-string behind Lin, Baron Davis and Mike Bibby.
“No, I don’t know how you do it,’’ D’Antoni said when asked if Douglas can make it back. “Unless Jeremy gets hurt and Baron [gets hurt]. You just can’t play everybody.’’
The Knicks would likely want a couple of second-round draft picks in a Douglas trade. The Knicks may want to hold off until the draft, when perhaps they can trade him for a first rounder.
The Knicks have one second-round pick this year and no first-rounder. Next year they don’t have a second-rounder. Interim GM Glen Grunwald picked up Douglas’ option for next season at $2 million. That eliminates clubs wanting an expiring contract. His agent, David Falk, did not return phone calls.
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Jerome Jordan was called up from the D-League to join the team in Milwaukee two days ahead of schedule. With Jared Jeffries out tonight against Milwaukee and Tyson Chandler questionable, Jordan could see minutes.
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Commissioner David Stern was in Denver this week and was asked to assess the Nuggets’ trade of Anthony.
“I think the Nuggets on their part have done great,” Stern said. “I think that Danilo Gallinari is going to be a very excellent, excellent NBA player. I get a kick out of ( Timofey) Mozgov, that he has enormous heart and wants to improve his game and he is going to. I think that Denver made a very good trade for their future.’’